Reinforcing pine cabinet

[Lancia037]

So my first tank is due to arrive tomorrow! And, me being me, I'm going to want to open everything straight away and start setting it up... However, my cabinet needs reinforcing.

The tank is a waterbox cube 20, and due to the dimensions, it will be sitting on the middle of the cabinet.

As you can see, there's no support in the middle. As such, I'm thinking of building a frame out of 2x4s and attaching this to the inside.

I'm thinking of something like this in the middle of the cabinet. Should this be enough?
Many thanks

 

[Peace River]

Let’s see if we can get some help with your question...

@BornHandy @kschweer @jsker

 

[K7BMG]

The WB20 is a fairly small tank but will weigh in at some 200 pounds.

I dont know what the cabinet you plan to use is made out of.
If its partical board dont use it.
Supported or not the inevitable water will destroy the cabinet and your tank will be on the floor.

If its made out of wood then addind a suport will be a good idea.

The drawing you have shown I dont know how you intend to attach it.

All you will need is two cross braces inside the cabinet.
The problem is that you will need to use long screws from the outside to attech the members on the inside.

 

[K7BMG]

This of course will effect the appearance of the cabinet exterior.
You may need to do more suport to the cabinet as well.

If the cabinet can be twisted or wiggled by you grabbing the top and leaning on it with slight manipulation then you will need to stiffen it up.

 

[K7BMG]

I have had people argue with me on the partical board furniture.
They say that aquarium stands are made from this stuff all the time.

Its not that there wrong its they think all partical board is the same.
It is not the same.
Furniture grade PB is not the same density nor is it covered in water resistant materials and coatings that our aquarium stands are made from.

 

[jsker]

So my first tank is due to arrive tomorrow! And, me being me, I'm going to want to open everything straight away and start setting it up... However, my cabinet needs reinforcing.

The tank is a waterbox cube 20, and due to the dimensions, it will be sitting on the middle of the cabinet.

As you can see, there's no support in the middle. As such, I'm thinking of building a frame out of 2x4s and attaching this to the inside.

I'm thinking of something like this in the middle of the cabinet. Should this be enough?
Many thanks

From my understanding, you are going to use the current cabinet?

You plan with the 2x4' will give the reinforcement that you are looking for. You could also use 3/4 stock

 

[K7BMG]

Sorry for the rant.
Should have understood the thread title.
PINE stand not particle board.

The point of being able to twist or manipulate it though still holds true.
Most furniture is not made for weight.
Things like staples or nails instead of screws and glue make big differences

 

[lavoisier]

I would recommend the 3/4" plywood mentioned above. If you use dimensional lumber 1x2 would be fine at that weight.

 

[Lancia037]

Sorry for the rant.
Should have understood the thread title.
PINE stand not particle board.

The point of being able to twist or manipulate it though still holds true.
Most furniture is not made for weight.
Things like staples or nails instead of screws and glue make big differences

I would recommend the 3/4" plywood mentioned above. If you use dimensional lumber 1x2 would be fine at that weight.

Appreciate

From my understanding, you are going to use the current cabinet?

You plan with the 2x4' will give the reinforcement that you are looking for. You could also use 3/4 stock

Thank you very much for the replies and help. I went to the DIY store and picked up some 2/4s and figured I'd brace it in the middle of the cabinet. I sat on the cabinet with no extra support and it seems pretty solid!

I've basically built a frame with a long piece of wood running along the top, under the top of the cabinet. I've glued and screwed it all together, as well as attached it to the side walls.

It feel pretty solid, I'll just keep an eye on it for the next few weeks!

 

[jsker]

Appreciate

Thank you very much for the replies and help. I went to the DIY store and picked up some 2/4s and figured I'd brace it in the middle of the cabinet. I sat on the cabinet with no extra support and it seems pretty solid!

I've basically built a frame with a long piece of wood running along the top, under the top of the cabinet. I've glued and screwed it all together, as well as attached it to the side walls.

It feel pretty solid, I'll just keep an eye on it for the next few weeks!

That will do

 

[chiefifd]

Just a thought, it looks like there's a base under your supports. That maybe the weak point, especialy if water creeps into the joints. Water has a tendance to run down the face of cabinet and creep into the lip of the base.
I don't want to be a downer, just something to think about when trying to re-purpose. 20 gallons of water is a lot of weight, especially if it gets bumped and the water shifts.